Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Chillin’ on a Dirt Road

Before we left on vacation, Nate and I headed out for a drive through the countryside.  And by countryside, I mean 2 miles from our house.

Why? Because that’s what you do in Iowa.  Usually there is beer involved.  And ‘coon beating.  But we decided to keep it low key. Just Nate, Ike, and I cruising in my Jeep…sans baseball bats.

Nate recently read that in order to take great landscape photographs, you need to be able to be inspired in your own backyard.  If you can’t be inspired by your everyday surroundings, how can you easily be inspired in new places that you travel to?

Bring on the inspiration…

At sunset we headed to a little lake….(After we ran back into town for gas.  Note to self…when “cruising the countryside” have a full tank of gas…amateurs…).  They are currently working on enlarging this lake and adding nature trails.  Only 2 miles from home.  We are pretty pumped about this situation…

Lost Grove Lake 027

 

This last photo didn’t turn out the greatest but it still makes me smile…love that dog!

Lost Grove Lake 091

Have you stopped to enjoy the beauty in your backyard recently?

20 comments:

  1. Wow! I can't believe that you actually took these photos! they are breathtaking! It's so important to stop and smell the roses sometimes and look around you & appreciate your "everyday" world.

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  2. I grew up in Cornwall (UK) surrounded by pretty fishing villages and little beach resorts. I spent almost every summer at one particular resort which is only a 1 hour drive away. This year I went back after 10 years of neglecting our 'backyard' and had so much fun crabbing, eating ice-cream and watching puppies playing on the beach. We shouldn't forget what is on our doorstep!

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  3. I would do drives like that all the time if I had a backyard like yours - grew up in cities but realized in recent years how much I enjoy/crave the beauty and tranquility of the countryside.

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  4. I think Nate makes Iowa look good :o)

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  5. Those pictures are gorgeous! (as usual :D)

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  6. Absolutely beautiful! Don't start making me miss Iowa, now.

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  7. WOW. You guys are really becoming pros with the camera! The first lake shot is absolutely breathtaking. Hope you have plans to frame that baby!

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  8. Love these pictures! So peaceful.

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  9. Beautiful! Those photos want to be framed and hung together, I think. :)

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  10. Nate is definitely figuring out the camera! Amazing photos.

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  11. Great pictures. They make me miss home (minnesota).

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  12. Colors in the second photo are perfect.

    I recently read that the reason why we find travel-locations more inspirational is because everything is new, and we notice all the details. Whereas in our own backyards, almost nothing is new, so we can't see the details. I'm not sure which argument I believe more, but the photos came out great!

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  13. Buahaha! 'Coon beating, lol ;) The pics look awesome - go, Nate! I'm uber jealous of the countryside near you, it's so picturesque! I guess I'll take solace in the fact that within 4 months it will all be covered in snow. ;) Us AZ folk have to have something going for us besides 120+ temps =(

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  14. Beautiful photos! I love your dog too!

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  15. Oh my! Awesome pictures, the second one is my favorite :)

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  16. Amazing photos! You crazy kids are super talented. Any plans on incorporating your photos into the home decor?

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  17. the one of the fence is incredible! Iowa is beautiful countryside!

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  18. Love the photos! Especially love the fence!

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  19. LOVE all the sky pics, but am SUPER in love with that fence picture! That my friend is frameworthy!

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful inspiration! Makes me miss the countryside!

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